Scotland and Northern Ireland's Reaction to the EU Exit Referendum

The results of the UK's referendum on leaving the European Union indicate a deep division within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with the unified votes of Scotland and Northern Ireland in favor of remaining in the EU having immediate consequences. London, Northern Ireland, and Scotland voted to remain in the Union, while the Midlands and parts of southern Britain voted for exit. Martin McGuinness, the deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland local government, immediately called for a referendum on removing its borders with the Republic of Ireland and establishing a united Ireland. Northern Ireland shares a border with the Republic of Ireland, and it remains unclear what the implications of Britain's separation from the EU will be for the Republic of Ireland. The Irish Prime Minister stated on Friday that this outcome is not in the interest of the Republic of Ireland, yet they respect the wishes and opinions of the British people. The Irish Parliament is set to convene on Monday to examine the implications of Britain's exit. In response to Northern Ireland's request, the Irish Prime Minister stated that there are currently more pressing matters for the Republic of Ireland to focus on. Northern Ireland has received significant financial aid from the EU, which has been provided under the title of 'peace money' to support peaceful projects in the region. Political parties in Northern Ireland, with the exception of the Democratic Unionist Party, significantly defended remaining in the EU. On the other hand, Scotland, the northernmost part of the United Kingdom, also widely defended remaining in the EU, with 62% of Scots wanting to stay and 38% wanting to leave. The Scottish First Minister had previously stated that if Scotland is forced to leave the Union against its will, then holding a second independence referendum becomes inevitable. Ms. Nicola Sturgeon has stated that it is evident that the proposal for a second independence referendum must be on the table, and it is. Ms. Sturgeon argues that Britain has no valid reason to keep Scotland in this kingdom. The Scottish government’s crisis resolution committee addressed the consequences of Britain’s exit in a meeting on Friday evening, and on Saturday, cabinet members will consult with each other. Scotland held an independence referendum two years ago, but the majority of Scots voted to remain in the United Kingdom. Analysts at the time of that referendum indicated that one of the fears of the people was that separating from Britain would mean separating from the European Union. Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of Britain, had stated before the EU exit referendum last December that he believed this referendum would lead to the fragmentation of Britain.